Adelsons to attend as part of delegation

WASHINGTON -- Las Vegas Sands chairman Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, were named to the official U.S. delegation to the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, the White House announced Monday.

The Adelsons were among 79 people who were to join President Bush and Laura Bush for ceremonies on Wednesday and Thursday in Jerusalem.

Others include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, New York Daily News publisher Mort Zuckerman, activist and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, and former journalist William Safire.

The Adelsons are philanthropists who have made major donations to Jewish organizations in Las Vegas, and to causes in Israel.

Sheldon Adelson also is a prominent supporter of President Bush. He founded Freedom's Watch, which advocates for the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq.

Miriam Adelson, a physician, is chairwoman of the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment and Research.

The White House announced Monday that the delegation members would be paying their own air fare, lodging and other expenses.